Have you ever wondered where someone comes across the most hideous Christmas Sweater you have ever seen? Some people borrow the sweaters from their moms and grandmas, while others browse resale shops to find the perfect, or not so perfect, sweater. Kate Weiser, the winner of the New Haven High School Ugly Sweater Contest, did something extraordinary compared to her peers.

She woke up bright and early to prepare for domination in the Ugly Sweater Contest held at school that Friday morning. She wrapped herself in garland, put a glittery tree topper in her hair, and even had two doves placed on the sweater.Kate described the process of getting her outfit assembled: “Thursday night, I went to the Dollar Tree and bought the most traditional items you would put on a Christmas Tree. I also picked up a plain green sweater from Shop Around the Corner. Friday, I woke up a half hour early just to start pinning on all of my garland.” Kate even got out of gym class early to assemble her outfit.

Kashaf Iqbal (on the left) commented on Kate’s attire, “She looked so good!” Hanna Fitts agreed with Kashaf and said, “Kate’s outfit was pretty amazing; I even named the doves.”

As her prize, Kate received a giant ornament cookie with neon icing made by Mackenzie Vedder and a trophy covered in green glitter with a “creepy vintage santa” created by Carlie Steinbeck.

In a nutshell, Kate Weiser proved that thinking outside of the box really does pay off.